Bridges vs O’Connell: A Good Old-Fashioned Grudge Match

Bridges vs O’Connell: A Good Old-Fashioned Grudge Match

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom winning the purse bids for Ebanie Bridges first defence of her IBF bantamweight title against her fellow Australian Shannon O’Connell came as little surprise, but all parties can now look forward to an intriguing world title fight that will almost certainly take place on British soil, probably in October.

O’Connell (23-6-1) understandably wanted the fight in Australia, and equally, understandably, Bridges wanted the fight in the UK. Some will look for conspiracy theories, and reasons of bias, but the reigning champion having moved her life over to England, was hardly likely to volunteer to cross multiple time zones to give up certain and obvious ‘home’ advantages and fight back in Australia. Very few in her shoes would do any different. With Matchroom winning the purse bids the fight will now be seen globally on DAZN and not on a restrictive in comparison Australian platform. Both fighters will benefit because of that.

Bridges (8-1) has proved many people wrong in her life previously. Remember when Shannon Courtenay was supposed to expose Bridges as a social media fraud. Fighting with one eye, Bridges pushed Courtenay hard.

Steve Bunce said post-fight: “It might have been the best women’s fight we’ve ever seen in this country.” He was right.

Bridges has the chance to do so again. Ironically, against another Shannon.
O’Connell is her mandatory challenger, and there will be plenty who will expect Bridges to lose. But Bridges will thrive on such nights, and it is a fight where we are likely to see Bridges at her best. With a win, even her harshest critics will have to give her credit.

O’Connell, who beat Taylah Robertson to lift the Commonwealth title last October, looks on paper to be a real test for Bridges. Possibly her toughest so far in her career to date. O’Connell hasn’t lost since 2017, and Boxrec has her ranked as the number three bantamweight in the world, well above Bridges. Boxrec is only in truth a guide, but it gives some indication of the size of the task ahead. But even more telling perhaps, the WBA and the IBO currently have O’Connell as their number one contender.

O’Connell should have had her chance at a world bantamweight title long before now. But her long chase will end before the year ends. She has vowed to punch holes through her rival. Bridges of course will have other ideas.

It is one of those old-fashioned grudge matches. And one that isn’t built on any false narrative. They clearly don’t like each other. The war of words will only intensify the closer we get to the fight. Many of which will have to be diluted for print purposes. The mutual hate will serve up a fight that is likely to end long before the final bell. Whoever wins, it is a fight that will not disappoint. Bunce may well have another fight to wax lyrical about. Pick a side, popcorn at the ready. And enjoy. It will be that kind of fight.

Bridges and O’Connell have overcome plenty in their lives. Probably the only thing they share in common. Both have admirably turned their lives around after incredibly tough starts to their lives. They are not cut from the same cloth as us mere mortals. Hopefully, both can admit they share that at least.

Women’s boxing has moved on significantly this year, and while Bridges/O’Connell will go under the radar somewhat in comparison to other more high-profile fights that have or will take place this year, it is another fight that will take their sport forward.